Caribbean Court of Justice appoints new judge
Justice Chantal Ononaiwu has been sworn in as a Judge of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), becoming the second Jamaican national on the regional court's bench.
The swearing-in ceremony was conducted on October 29 by the Governor General of Jamaica at King's House in Kingston.
CCJ President Justice Adrian Saunders noted Ononaiwu's extensive expertise in international law, particularly international trade law. Saunders stated: "Article IV(1) of the Agreement Establishing the Court requires that when the Court... at least three [judges] must possess expertise in international law including international trade law. Mme Justice Ononaiwu is not merely an expert in international law, she is more specifically an expert in international trade law and an active practitioner in the field."
In her remarks, Ononaiwu said: "I am honoured to serve as a Judge of the region's highest court. Our Caribbean Court of Justice plays a pivotal role in advancing the rule of law in CARICOM and building Caribbean jurisprudence. I will work assiduously with my colleagues in service of the Court's mission to provide accessible, fair and efficient justice for the people and States of the Community."
Ononaiwu was chosen from a pool of 12 applicants by the independent Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission. With over 20 years of legal experience, she brings specialist knowledge in CARICOM law and international law, including international trade law, as well as expertise in commercial law and academia.
Ononaiwu's appointment fills the vacancy left by the retirement and subsequent passing of former Judge Jacob Wit, one of the first judges appointed to the Court, who retired in December 2023 and passed away in January 2024.
The RJLSC will announce the appointment of another Judge and the Court's fourth President in due course.
0 Comment